Bent Tow Bar Mount

Hi,
I tried bending back the tow bar mount by adding a 2" reiceinver. Then I put a long 2" metal bar on it and jacked it up. It didn't go back to the original location.
Any suggestions? Heat?

 

A oxy-acetylene torch would be my go-to.

 

Is this bumper mounted? What exactly is bent? A picture would help.
-Donny

 

Hi Guys,
I mistakenly left my pipe wrench on the bumper and drove the jeep off of the ramps. So I kept doing it and it is back to an acceptable angle.
Here are some pictures of my improper use of a pipe wrench.

 

Read up on "flame straightening." It is a pretty cool technique..

 

I think I would replace it all, it looks like there is more damage than the draw bar. The rear crossmember looks to be failing too. I like your receiver, been thinking about making one for my Jeep. Good Luck

 

Your attempts at using the pipe wrench to straighten it have only added waves to the straight edge of the drawbar. Going from bad to worse. So to get it all corrected I would suggest you taking it all off. A press could be used to correct the wave created by the attempts so fix, but the initial bend is going to take heat and even pressure across the entire draw board. At least that would be my approach.

 

The "waves" are a result of the metal being stretched. To make it truly straight again, the metal needs to be shrunk.

Precisely localized heating and cooling ("flame straightening") is an effective way to shrink heavy steel in a controlled and directed manner.

 

harbor freight has a receiver that bolts right up for reasonable money
5000 lb. Step Bumper Receiver

 

Good eye! I bought a few of those receivers from HF and it surprisingly bolted right up!

 

For now it works fine. Not going to tow anything on the road, just using it as a bicycle carrier for the local trails.
Is there a place to find a replacement draw bar assembly?

 

That sounds like the correct method. If I have time one day I will do that or replace it.
Thanks

 

Place a wanted ad in Classified here. Good Luck